10419491

System and Method for Monitoring Computing Servers for Possible Unauthorized Access

PublishedSeptember 17, 2019
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Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
18 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A system, comprising: one or more Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) servers, each configured and arranged to provide respective VoIP services to remote users; and a processing circuit communicatively-coupled to the one or more VoIP servers and configured and arranged to: analyze data transactions of at least one VoIP sever, of the one or more VoIP servers, for one or more characteristics that are indicative of unauthorized access including data indicative of at least one possible call loop; based on the data indicative of at least one possible call loop and other data indicative of frequency of data transactions, determine a threat level as function of the one or more characteristics of the data transactions and conditions of a security policy of a user account associated with the at least one VoIP server including whether the data indicative of at least one possible call loop corresponds to an actual call loop, the security policy including the one or more characteristics indicative of the unauthorized access and a threshold level that is based on the characteristics and the conditions; and perform, in response to the threat level exceeding the threshold level, an action for the user account that is associated with the threshold level exceeded.

Plain English Translation

This system detects and mitigates unauthorized access in Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) services by analyzing data transactions for suspicious patterns, particularly call loops, which may indicate fraudulent activity. The system includes one or more VoIP servers providing services to remote users and a processing circuit connected to these servers. The processing circuit monitors data transactions from at least one VoIP server for characteristics suggesting unauthorized access, such as call loops or abnormal transaction frequencies. It evaluates these characteristics against a user account's security policy, which defines acceptable thresholds for transaction behavior. If the threat level, determined by the frequency and nature of suspicious transactions, exceeds the predefined threshold, the system triggers a predefined action, such as blocking the account or alerting administrators. The security policy may include rules for identifying actual call loops and other unauthorized access patterns, ensuring adaptive threat detection based on user-specific conditions. This approach enhances VoIP security by dynamically assessing transaction risks and responding to potential breaches.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the action includes at least one of providing a notification to an authorized user of the user account, blocking one or more users from a VoIP service provided by the at least one VoIP server, and disabling the at least one VoIP server.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for detecting and responding to unauthorized access or misuse of a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service. The system monitors user activity across one or more VoIP servers to identify suspicious behavior, such as repeated failed login attempts, unusual call patterns, or unauthorized access to user accounts. When such activity is detected, the system automatically triggers predefined actions to mitigate the threat. These actions include sending notifications to authorized users, blocking specific users from the VoIP service, or disabling the affected VoIP server entirely. The system ensures secure and reliable operation of VoIP services by proactively addressing potential security breaches and unauthorized access attempts. The invention enhances security by integrating real-time monitoring and automated response mechanisms, reducing the risk of fraud, data breaches, and service disruptions. The system is designed to operate across multiple VoIP servers, providing centralized control and protection for large-scale deployments.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the security policy includes a plurality of threshold levels, including the threshold level, that are based on the characteristics and the conditions, wherein the processing circuit is further configured and arranged to perform another action for the user account in response to: determining another threat level as function of characteristics of other data transactions and the one or more conditions of the security policy; and performing the other action for the user account in response to the other threat level exceeding an additional threshold level of the plurality.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a security system for monitoring and responding to data transactions based on threat levels and security policies. The system addresses the challenge of dynamically assessing and mitigating risks associated with user accounts in real-time, particularly in environments where transaction characteristics and conditions may vary. The system includes a processing circuit configured to evaluate data transactions involving a user account. It determines a threat level for each transaction by analyzing characteristics of the transaction and comparing them against one or more conditions defined in a security policy. The security policy contains multiple threshold levels, each corresponding to different conditions and characteristics. If the determined threat level exceeds a specified threshold, the system performs a predefined action, such as restricting access or triggering an alert. Additionally, the system continuously monitors subsequent transactions to reassess threat levels. If another transaction's threat level exceeds a different threshold within the security policy, the system performs another action, which may differ from the initial response. This adaptive approach allows the system to escalate or modify security measures based on evolving risks, ensuring dynamic protection against potential threats. The system's ability to adjust responses based on varying threat levels and conditions enhances its effectiveness in securing user accounts.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the processing circuit is further configured and arranged to determine the threat level based upon a number of the conditions that are satisfied by the one or more characteristics of the data transactions.

Plain English Translation

The system is designed for cybersecurity threat detection, specifically analyzing data transactions to identify potential threats. The system monitors data transactions for specific characteristics that may indicate malicious activity. A processing circuit evaluates these characteristics against predefined conditions to assess the threat level. The threat level is determined by counting how many of these conditions are satisfied by the characteristics of the data transactions. A higher number of satisfied conditions correlates with a higher threat level, allowing the system to prioritize responses based on severity. This approach enables dynamic threat assessment by quantifying the likelihood of malicious intent through pattern recognition and condition matching. The system may also include additional features such as real-time monitoring, automated alerts, and adaptive response mechanisms to mitigate identified threats. The primary goal is to enhance security by providing a scalable and efficient method for evaluating transactional data against known threat indicators.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the processing circuit is further configured and arranged to determine the threat level as a function of a frequency access to VoIP services provided by the at least one VoIP server on behalf of the user account relative to an average frequency of access for the VoIP services.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for detecting and assessing threats in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. The system monitors user account activity to identify potential security risks by analyzing access patterns to VoIP services. Specifically, the system evaluates the threat level based on the frequency of access to VoIP services for a particular user account compared to the average access frequency for those services. A higher-than-average access frequency may indicate suspicious activity, such as unauthorized access or account compromise. The system includes a processing circuit that performs this analysis, allowing for real-time threat detection and mitigation. By comparing individual user behavior against established baselines, the system enhances security by flagging anomalies that could signify malicious intent. This approach helps prevent unauthorized use of VoIP services, protecting both the service provider and end users from potential security breaches. The system may also integrate with other security measures to provide a comprehensive defense against threats.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the processing circuit is further configured and arranged to determine the threat level as a function of conditions selected from the group consisting of: a cost of the access to the VoIP services, whether the accesses to the VoIP services corresponds to inbound or outbound calls relative to the VoIP server, whether the accesses to the VoIP services include use of voicemail services, based upon an amount of VoIP content that is downloaded from the voicemail services, and combinations thereof.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for assessing threat levels in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. The system monitors access to VoIP services to detect and evaluate potential security threats. The processing circuit within the system determines the threat level based on various conditions, including the cost of accessing VoIP services, whether the accesses involve inbound or outbound calls relative to the VoIP server, and whether the accesses include the use of voicemail services. Additionally, the system considers the amount of VoIP content downloaded from voicemail services as part of its threat assessment. By analyzing these factors, the system can identify suspicious activities, such as unauthorized access or fraudulent usage patterns, and adjust security measures accordingly. The system aims to enhance the security of VoIP services by dynamically evaluating threat levels based on multiple contextual factors, thereby mitigating risks associated with unauthorized or malicious access.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the processing circuit is further configured and arranged to perform the action further includes generating a notification to a user indicated in the security policy.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing security policies in a networked environment addresses the challenge of ensuring timely and appropriate responses to security events. The system includes a processing circuit that monitors network activity and compares it against predefined security policies. When a security event is detected, the processing circuit generates a notification to a designated user specified in the security policy. The notification alerts the user to the event, enabling prompt action. The system may also include additional components, such as a memory for storing security policies and a communication interface for transmitting notifications. The processing circuit may further analyze the security event to determine its severity or impact before generating the notification, ensuring that alerts are prioritized based on risk. This system enhances security by automating the detection and reporting of security events, reducing response times and improving overall network security.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the processing circuit is further configured and arranged to generate and send multiple notifications to multiple recipients.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing notifications in a communication network addresses the problem of efficiently distributing alerts to multiple recipients. The system includes a processing circuit that generates and sends notifications to multiple recipients based on predefined criteria. The processing circuit is configured to determine the appropriate recipients for each notification, ensuring that alerts are delivered to the correct individuals or devices. The system may also prioritize notifications based on urgency or relevance, optimizing the distribution process. Additionally, the processing circuit can track the status of sent notifications, confirming delivery and acknowledging receipt. This ensures that critical information reaches the intended recipients promptly and reliably. The system may integrate with existing communication platforms, such as email, SMS, or instant messaging services, to streamline notification delivery. By automating the notification process, the system reduces manual intervention, improves response times, and enhances overall communication efficiency in various applications, including enterprise environments, emergency response systems, and customer service platforms.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The system of claim 7 , wherein the notification includes selectable options for a recipient of the notification.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing notifications in a communication platform addresses the problem of inefficient recipient interaction with notifications, particularly in environments where quick and context-aware responses are critical. The system enhances notification delivery by incorporating selectable options directly within the notification interface, allowing recipients to respond or take action without navigating away from their current task. These options are dynamically generated based on the notification content, user preferences, or predefined workflows, ensuring relevance and reducing response time. The system may also track recipient interactions with these options to optimize future notifications, improving user engagement and operational efficiency. This approach is particularly useful in enterprise or collaborative settings where timely responses are essential, such as project management, customer support, or team coordination. The notification options may include actions like approvals, status updates, or direct replies, streamlining communication and reducing the cognitive load on recipients. The system integrates with existing communication channels, ensuring seamless adoption and minimizing disruption to workflows. By providing contextually relevant actions within notifications, the system enhances productivity and reduces the need for manual navigation or additional steps to respond.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. A method for use with one or more Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) servers that are each configured and arranged to provide respective VoIP services to remote users, the method comprising: using a processing circuit communicatively-coupled to the one or more VoIP servers to monitor unauthorized access by: analyzing data transactions of at least one VoIP sever, of the one or more VoIP servers, for one or more characteristics that are indicative of unauthorized access including data indicative of at least one possible call loop, the at least one VoIP server being associated with a user account; based on the data indicative of at least one possible call loop and other data indicative of frequency of data transactions, determining a threat level as function of the one or more characteristics of the data transactions and conditions of a security policy of the user account including whether the data indicative of at least one possible call loop corresponds to an actual call loop, the security policy including the one or more characteristics indicative of the unauthorized access and a plurality of threshold levels that are based on the characteristics and the conditions; and performing, in response to the threat level exceeding a first threshold level of the plurality threshold levels, an action for the user account that is associated with the threshold level exceeded.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to detecting and mitigating unauthorized access in Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems. VoIP servers provide communication services to remote users, but they are vulnerable to security threats such as call loops, which can lead to unauthorized usage, fraud, or service disruption. The method involves monitoring data transactions from one or more VoIP servers to identify characteristics indicative of unauthorized access, particularly focusing on detecting potential call loops. A processing circuit analyzes transaction data for patterns that suggest unauthorized activity, including call loops and transaction frequency. The system evaluates these patterns against a security policy associated with the user account, which defines thresholds for different threat levels based on transaction characteristics and policy conditions. If the threat level exceeds a predefined threshold, the system performs an action, such as blocking the account or alerting administrators, to mitigate the risk. The security policy includes multiple threshold levels, allowing for graduated responses based on the severity of the detected threat. This approach enhances VoIP security by proactively identifying and addressing unauthorized access attempts.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein performing the action includes: providing a notification to an authorized user of the user account in response the threat level exceeding the first threshold level of the plurality; and blocking one or more users from a VoIP service provided by the at least one VoIP server or disabling the at least one VoIP server in response to the threat level exceeding a second threshold level of the plurality.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to threat detection and mitigation in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems. The technology addresses the problem of unauthorized access, fraud, or other security threats in VoIP services by dynamically assessing threat levels and taking automated actions based on predefined thresholds. The method involves monitoring a VoIP system for security threats, such as unauthorized access attempts or fraudulent activity. A threat level is calculated based on detected threats, and this level is compared against multiple predefined thresholds. If the threat level exceeds a first threshold, a notification is sent to an authorized user of the affected account. If the threat level exceeds a second, higher threshold, the system takes more severe actions, such as blocking one or more users from the VoIP service or disabling the VoIP server entirely. The system may also log threat-related events and generate reports for further analysis. The invention ensures that VoIP services remain secure by providing escalating responses to detected threats, from simple notifications to complete service disruptions, depending on the severity of the threat. This automated approach reduces the need for manual intervention while enhancing security.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The method of claim 10 , wherein performing the action includes using the processing circuit to perform one or more automated tasks to prevent further unauthorized access to the at least one VoIP server.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to cybersecurity for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems, specifically methods to detect and mitigate unauthorized access to VoIP servers. The problem addressed is the vulnerability of VoIP servers to attacks, such as unauthorized access attempts, which can disrupt communication services and compromise sensitive data. The invention provides a method to automatically detect such unauthorized access and take corrective actions to prevent further breaches. The method involves monitoring network traffic to identify suspicious activity targeting a VoIP server. Upon detecting unauthorized access, the system triggers automated tasks to mitigate the threat. These tasks may include blocking the offending IP address, terminating active sessions, or isolating the affected server from the network. The system uses a processing circuit to execute these actions, ensuring rapid response to minimize damage. The approach enhances security by reducing reliance on manual intervention, thereby improving response time and efficiency in thwarting cyber threats against VoIP infrastructure.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The method of claim 10 , wherein performing the action includes using the processing circuit to generate and send a notification to a user indicated in the security policy.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a security system for managing access to resources based on predefined policies. The system monitors access requests to determine if they comply with security policies, which may include rules about user permissions, time restrictions, or other conditions. When a policy violation is detected, the system performs an action to address the violation. This action includes generating and sending a notification to a user specified in the security policy. The notification alerts the user about the violation, allowing them to take corrective measures. The system may also log the violation for auditing purposes. The security policies are stored in a database and can be updated dynamically. The system uses a processing circuit to evaluate access requests against these policies in real time. The notification can be sent via email, SMS, or another communication method, depending on the user's preferences. This approach ensures that security violations are promptly addressed, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches. The system is designed to be scalable and adaptable to different security requirements across various environments.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the notification includes selectable options for a recipient of the notification.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for enhancing communication notifications in a digital environment addresses the problem of inefficient and passive notification delivery, which often leads to missed or ignored messages. The invention provides an interactive notification system that dynamically presents actionable options to recipients, improving response rates and user engagement. The method involves generating a notification triggered by an event, such as a message, alert, or system update, and embedding selectable options within the notification. These options allow the recipient to perform actions directly from the notification interface, such as replying, dismissing, or delegating the task. The system may also analyze recipient behavior to customize the presented options, ensuring relevance and reducing cognitive load. Additionally, the method supports real-time updates to the notification content based on changing conditions or user interactions. This approach streamlines communication workflows, reduces latency in decision-making, and enhances productivity by minimizing the need for additional steps to respond to notifications. The invention is applicable in various domains, including messaging platforms, enterprise software, and IoT device management, where timely and interactive notifications are critical.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The method of claim 13 , further including blocking one or more users from a VoIP service provided by the at least one VoIP server in response to the threat level exceeding a second threshold level of the plurality.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to threat detection and mitigation in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. The system monitors VoIP communications for potential threats, such as fraud, abuse, or security breaches, by analyzing call patterns, user behavior, and network activity. When a threat is detected, the system assigns a threat level based on the severity of the detected activity. If the threat level exceeds a first threshold, the system generates an alert to notify administrators or users about the potential threat. Additionally, if the threat level exceeds a second, higher threshold, the system automatically blocks one or more users from accessing the VoIP service to prevent further harm. The blocking action may be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the threat. The system may also log the blocked users and the reasons for blocking for future reference and analysis. This approach enhances security by proactively identifying and mitigating threats in real-time, reducing the risk of fraudulent or malicious activities within the VoIP service.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The method of claim 15 , further including disabling the at least one VoIP server for the user account in response to the threat level exceeding a third threshold level of the plurality.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to cybersecurity for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems, specifically addressing the detection and mitigation of security threats targeting VoIP servers. The system monitors VoIP server activity to identify potential threats, such as unauthorized access attempts, abnormal traffic patterns, or other malicious behavior. When a threat is detected, the system evaluates the severity of the threat by comparing it to predefined threat levels. If the threat level exceeds a first threshold, the system generates an alert to notify administrators or security personnel. If the threat level exceeds a second threshold, the system automatically implements security measures, such as restricting access or isolating the affected server. If the threat level exceeds a third threshold, the system disables the VoIP server entirely for the user account associated with the threat, preventing further exploitation. The system may also log threat events for analysis and future threat detection improvements. This approach enhances VoIP security by providing automated, tiered responses to varying levels of threats, reducing the risk of successful attacks and minimizing service disruptions.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The method of claim 13 , further including disabling the at least one VoIP server for the user account in response to the threat level exceeding a second threshold level of the plurality.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services in response to security threats. The technology addresses the problem of unauthorized access or malicious activity in VoIP networks, which can compromise user accounts and network integrity. The method involves monitoring a user account for suspicious activity, such as repeated failed login attempts or unusual call patterns, and calculating a threat level based on detected anomalies. If the threat level exceeds a first threshold, the system implements security measures, such as requiring additional authentication or restricting certain features. If the threat level exceeds a second, higher threshold, the system disables the VoIP server for the affected user account to prevent further exploitation. The method ensures real-time threat assessment and automated response to mitigate risks without manual intervention. The system may also log threat events and generate alerts for further investigation. This approach enhances security by dynamically adjusting access controls based on detected threat severity.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The method of claim 10 , further including monitoring, using the processing circuit, the data transactions of at least one VoIP sever for the one or more characteristics.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to monitoring data transactions in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems to detect specific characteristics. The problem addressed is the need to identify and analyze certain patterns or anomalies in VoIP server transactions, which may indicate security threats, performance issues, or other operational concerns. The method involves using a processing circuit to monitor data transactions of at least one VoIP server. The processing circuit is configured to analyze these transactions for one or more predefined characteristics, such as unusual traffic patterns, unauthorized access attempts, or deviations from expected behavior. The monitoring process may include real-time analysis or periodic checks to ensure ongoing system integrity. The processing circuit may employ various techniques, such as pattern recognition, statistical analysis, or machine learning, to identify the specified characteristics. Once detected, the system can trigger alerts, log the transactions for further investigation, or take automated corrective actions to mitigate potential risks. This approach enhances the security and reliability of VoIP systems by proactively identifying and addressing issues before they escalate. The method is particularly useful in environments where VoIP servers handle sensitive communications or large volumes of data, requiring continuous monitoring to maintain operational efficiency and security.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

September 17, 2019

Inventors

Bryan Martin
Zhishen Liu
Qing Zhao

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SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING COMPUTING SERVERS FOR POSSIBLE UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS